Senna is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae. This diverse genus is native throughout the tropics, with a small number of species reaching into temperate regions. The number of species is usually estimated to be about 260, but some authors believe that there are as many as 350.

Senna italica or Eland’s Pea, Port Royal Senna, Italian Senna or Senegal Senna as it is commonly known is a deciduous, perennial herb or small shrub growing up to 60 cm tall, often with prostrate stems.

The leaves, pods and seeds of Senna italica are mostly used in traditional medicine. In Malawi, root infusion is used to treat diarrhea in infants. Reports on the uses of Senna italica is contradictory. In East Africa, it is eaten by most livestock, whereas in West Africa, it is often avoided. In Sahel regions, young seeds are eaten as snacks or a vegetable. On the other hand, the seeds are smoked in Mauritania. In India, the leaves are used as a hair treatment called neutral henna or “blonde henna”. This treatment coats the hair so that it looks glossy and thick for several weeks, but instead of being completely neutral, “neutral henna” appears to have a yellowish impact on hair rather than the reddish one produced by henna.